Pride - move Over "Crabs in the Barrel" theory

This week I had the pleasure to see a very inspiring movie called "Pride." After reading reviews from three newspapers in VA, CT and NY who decided this was a run of the mill movie that they gave only two stars, I had to see this film on opening weekend. It is such a shame that in 2007

a film that features positive images of African American people working together is not supported overwhelmingly in the media. This is how Hollywood works, nothing new there. I encourage everyone to see this movie and take a kid with you. Perhaps we can change someones life one ticket at a time. Check out this preview and let me know what you think. Congratulations to Terrance, Bernie, Lionsgate and other producers that had the unmitigated gall to put out such a positive film that shows that working together works. Get out there and see this film. The official Pride website is worth seeing.

Something for the Children

Food for Thought


All around the world there are children who need our help. La Casa Rosada is just one of them. Located in the Dominican Republic, this special home for children with HIV/AIDS is a wonderful example of pure love. Run by the Sisters and volunteers, this is a true gem. What they need most is food. Thank God due to a grant from some good people they now have the drugs they need.

For more information on La Casa Rosada click here.

Farewell to a Friend

I just found out yesterday that Calvert had died. What a sweet man. Even when he was at the top of his game he was pleasant and kind to his fans. I had the opportunity to work on his management teams 15 years ago while he was working on the David Letterman Show and in the feature film "Kingpin." We traveled many places around the country making television appearances.

Three weeks ago me and another great comedianne friend of his, Marilyn Dobrin, tried to look him up to check on him. We contacted his manager but couldn't get any information of his whereabouts. The unfortunate thing is that he didn't need to die alone. Rest well my "Bud"

Bio below provided by Wikipedia
Calvert DeForest (July 23, 1921 - March 19, 2007), also known by his character Larry "Bud" Melman, was an American actor and comedian.
He is credited for four films from 1972 to 1982 and, after his first appearance with David Letterman, appeared in fifteen other films or television shows.[1] While he was working as a file clerk at a drug rehabilitation facility, he was "discovered" by Stephen Winer and Karl Tiedemann, writers for David Letterman's show, when he appeared in their New York University student film, KING of the Zs.[2] Later he worked as a drug rehabilitation counselor. However, his job was mentioned on air and he said it made it more difficult for him to work effectively as a counselor, forcing his retirement. However, he continued to make appearances with David Letterman. One of DeForest's "advertisements" on Late Night was "Toast On A Stick".
DeForest later appeared under his own name, but as essentially the same character, when Letterman moved from NBC to CBS in 1993 to do The Late Show with David Letterman. This change was made because the character of "Larry 'Bud' Melman" was considered the intellectual property of NBC, even though David Letterman gave him the name. He continued to appear on Letterman's show until 2002, before retiring from acting.
DeForest died at a hospital in West Islip, New York, on Long Island on March 19, 2007.[3] As per his request, there will be no funeral services held.

Last week was action packed with special events and regular real estate business. Pictured here is me delivering an address to future homeowners about "Working With Brokers." My co-worker Danni Tyson or Halstead Property, LLC did an excellent job bringing out great presenters from Credit Companies, PM Mortgage Bankers and my friend August Capone, buyers who one the housing lottery, brownstone owners and an attorney. You can't buy that type of information. Guess what. It rained that day so the turnout was well under there expectations. Community Board 10 is very active in meeting the needs of the community of Central Harlem. Hopefully next time, rain or shine, more people will come out.



The week started at the Kick Off reception for the Host Committee for the upcoming Living Beyond Belief Awards. The event was held at Slate with open bar and lots of food. Yummy. Anyway, they also showed PSA's that will be shown on TV.

The 5th Annual Butterfly Awards will be held at the Hiro Ballroom at the Maritime Hotel in Chelsea, NYC. Email me for ticket information.

Housing Our Dream Seminar

Thinking about how you can buy instead of rent. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to hear from the best. Real Estate professionals will be at this seminar to speak about how you can own a home or apartment. I will be there speaking about "Working with Brokers" also speaking will be a real estate attorney, mortgage bankers, recent homeowners, credit specialist and more.

If you live in NYC don't miss this one. It's free. Get there early because this is in the State Office Building. President Clinton works there so security is tight.

You too can live your dream. Do something about it today.

Presented by Community Board 10
Thursday - March 15, 2007 at 6:30PM
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Building
163 W. 125th St - Gallery - 2nd Floor

Back at It

Yeah I know it's been awhile. Things are going great so I had to take a break from writing. I promise to do better. This edition is about television.

• If you haven't seen City of Men check it out on the Sundance Channel. It is an inspirational show about how people with little to nothing make it through life. Center around two young men in Rio de Janiro who live in the favelas yet they stay out of trouble by going to school and working. Yes, it is in Portuguese but it has subtitles and it is well worth watching.
City of Men (all 19 episodes) are available on DVD which I own. Here are some links where I shop very commonly where people can order it with confidence. Please check out these links to buy the DVD series.
http://www.deepdiscount.com/viewproduct.htm?productId=5780346

http://www.dvdplanet.com/details.cfm?info=PLM003141





• Did you catch the "One Night Only" series about the kids from New Orleans that mounted a production of Dreamgirls. What a wonderful series about survival and reselience. It is great to see industry heavyweights like George Faison, Blair Underwood and Jennifer Hudson come together to help these kids in need. If you get to catch it on repeat, please do. Who says we can't work together. Hat's off to BET Television. They are starting to turn the corner on good programming.

• Oprah has given us two outstanding programs this month. The first was on her leadership academy in South Africa. If you didn't see the special you should try and catch it on reruns or someplace. It was an inspiration to see how a dream can come true for both the rich and poor at the same time. This is a call to action. Education is the key.

The second tip I got from O was the information on "The Secret" ... It has opened so many doors. I took time out to watch the movie online and was blown away. It made so much sense to me perhaps you will also find it useful. Let me know.